Are solid tyres better on electric scooter?

Tires that are not supported by air pressure

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Airless tires, non-pneumatic tires (NPT), or flat-free tires are tires that are not supported by air pressure.[1][2][3] They can be used on small vehicles such as ride-on lawn mowers and motorized golf carts. They also are used on heavy equipment required to operate on sites where risk of tire punctures is high. Tires composed of closed-cell polyurethane foam are also made for bicycles and wheelchairs.[4]

Advantages & disadvantages

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The main advantages of airless tires is that they do not go flat and need to be replaced less frequently. Heavy equipment outfitted with airless tires will be able to carry more weight and engage in more rugged activities.[5]

Airless tires generally have higher rolling resistance and provide somewhat less suspension than similarly shaped and sized pneumatic tires. Other problems for airless heavy equipment tires include dissipating the heat buildup that occurs when they are driven. Airless tires are often filled with compressed polymers (plastic) rather than air, or can be a solid molded product.

Airless tires are attractive to cyclists, as bicycle tires are much more vulnerable to punctures than motor vehicle tires.

The drawbacks to airless tires depend on the use. Heavy equipment operators who use machinery with solid tires may become fatigued. Any airless tire will be heavier than the rubber tire it is meant to replace.

However, airless tires are not popular with hardcore off-roaders, as those vehicles often need to travel long distances at highway speeds. At speeds above 80 km/h, they can be unstable, causing severe vibrations (and passenger discomfort), and therefore potential for drivers to lose vehicle control.[6]

Installation of airless tires depends on the use. Heavy equipment will need special equipment to mount, but an airless bicycle tire can be mounted with little effort. Solid airless lawnmower tires come pre-installed on the wheel, allowing quick installation.[citation needed]

Examples

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Many bicycle-sharing systems use these tires to reduce maintenance.

In , J. V. Martin in the United States invented a safety tire with hoops of hickory encased in rubber and fitted with criss cross spokes of ribbed rubber. It could drive over 100 mm (4 inches) blocks when tested in a springless test car.[7]

In , Michelin started developing an integrated tire and wheel combination, the "Tweel" (derived from "tire" and "wheel," which are combined into one new, fused part), which operates entirely without air. Michelin claims its "Tweel" has load carrying, shock absorbing, and handling characteristics that compare favorably to conventional pneumatic tires.[8] However, the tire has a lot of vibration when driving over 80 km/h (50 mph). Therefore the tire is only available for golf carts, ATV's and skid steer vehicles. In however Michelin and GM announced their goal of making a new airless tire for passenger vehicles available in . [9] The automotive engineering group of the mechanical engineering department at Clemson University is developing a low energy loss airless tire with Michelin through the NIST ATP project.

Resilient Technologies and the University of Wisconsin&#;Madison's Polymer Engineering Center are creating a "non-pneumatic tire", which is a round polymeric honeycomb wrapped with a thick, black tread. The initial version of the tire is for the Humvee and is expected to be available in .[10][11] It is also the first group to make a commercially available mass-produced airless tire after its acquisition by Polaris,[12] albeit only as coupled with their vehicle. The tire trademark is "Terrainarmor".

Bridgestone is developing the Bridgestone Air-Free Concept Tire, which can hold 150 kg (330 lb) per tire.[13]

The Energy return wheel (ERW) has the outer edge of the tire connected to the inner rim by a system of springs. The springs can have their tension changed to vary the handling characteristics.[14]

Hankook is developing the iFlex airless tire.[15]

However, many tire manufacturing companies are yet to start making airless tire due to different limitations. Major companies like Goodyear say its airless tires won't be road-ready until .[16]

See also

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References

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Find the Best Tires for Your Electric Scooter: Pneumatic vs Solid Tires

Electric scooters are increasingly used for daily commutes. Like any other vehicle, they require proper maintenance and the tires are one of the most important parts. Selecting the best electric scooter tires can significantly enhance the performance and safety. This article will explore the two common types of electric scooter tires and assist you in choosing the best one that suits your requirements.

The Two Types of Electric Scooter Tires

Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires

Pneumatic tires are the most common type that you&#;ll find on electric scooters. They are filled with air and have a flexible rubber outer layer that provides a comfortable ride. They come with an inner tube or they can also be tubeless. Some electric scooters come equipped with pre-sealed tubeless tires.

Type of Pneumatic Tire

Construction

Pros

Cons

Inner Tube

Inner tube tires have a separate rubber tube inside the tire casing, which can be removed and replaced if punctured.

• Good shock absorption and smoother ride

• Easy to replace the tube if punctured

• Prone to pinch flats 

• Require regular maintenance

Tubeless

Tubeless tires have a sealed bead around the rim of the tire that creates an airtight seal, eliminating the need for an inner tube.

• Less prone to punctures

• Require less maintenance

• Lighter than tires with inner tubes

• Can be difficult to replace without special tools

• Are more expensive than tubed tires

Pre-sealed Tubeless

Pre-sealed tubeless tires have a special sealant inside the tire that automatically seals any punctures or leaks as they occur. 

• Very low maintenance

• Excellent puncture protection

• Most expensive tire type

• May not be readily available in all markets

Solid Tires

Solid tires are a type of tire used for electric scooters that are made from a single piece of rubber without the need of air.

Pros:

• Puncture-proof

• Require less maintenance (less prone to wear and tear)

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Cons:

• Heavier weight

• Less grip and shock absorption on rough surfaces

• More difficult to replace without special tools

To sum up, deciding between solid and pneumatic tires for electric scooters should ultimately be made based on the riding factors, usage frequency, and personal preferences. 

Solid tires are low maintenance and resistant to punctures, whereas pneumatic tires offer better shock absorption and traction. Pneumatic tires are best for riders who desire a smooth, comfortable ride, while solid tires are better for riders who value convenience and tire lifespan. 

It is important to consider these factors carefully to make a wise decision that ensures a safe and enjoyable ride. 

Fun fact: It is possible to have a combination of both pneumatic and solid tires so you don&#;t have to deal with as many flats, just like the EMOVE Touring. 

Tire Categories for Different Purposes

Street Tires

If you own an electric scooter, chances are it has street tires on it since they're the most commonly used tire type. Street tires provide a good combination of grip, speed, and durability and are ideal for riding on smooth surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Overall, these tires will do the trick whether you ride your scooter for daily commuting or just for fun.

Pros:

• Excellent grip on smooth surfaces

• Durable and long-lasting as compared to other tire types

• Suitable for long-range and recreational riding

• Lightweight with lower rolling resistance for better battery life

Cons:

• Not suitable for off-road, uneven inclines, or rough terrain

• Not ideal for wet conditions

• Limited traction on slippery surfaces

Off-Road Tires

Off-road tires have deeper treads and wider profiles that provide extra grip and stability on uneven surfaces, such as dirt, grass or gravel. They're known for better shock absorption, are made up of more durable materials, and are ideal for outdoor exploration and adventure rides. However, they can reduce the range that you get out of your electric scooter on flat terrain due to the extra tread, leading to greater rolling resistance and reduced efficiency.

Pros:

• Improved grip and stability on rough terrain

• Better shock absorption due to deeper treads

• Longer lifespan due to durable materials

• Ideal for outdoor exploration and adventure rides

Cons:

• Increased rolling resistance and decreased efficiency on smooth surfaces

• Reduced maneuverability in tight spaces due to wider profiles

• Requires more maintenance to clean the deep treads from dirt and debris

Hybrid Tires

Hybrid tires are a mix of street and off-road tires. They are designed to provide good performance on both smooth and rough surfaces. Hybrid tires have shallower treads than off-road tires but deeper than the profile of street tires. They are suitable for riders who want to ride on smooth surfaces and also rough terrains occasionally.

Pros:

• Provide a good grip and stability on both smooth and rough surfaces

• Suitable for both on- and off-road riding

• Offer decent grip and stability

• They are more durable than street tires in general

Cons:

• May not perform as well as street tires on smooth surfaces

• Offer less grip on rough terrains than off-road tires

• May have lower speed on flat surfaces than street tires

Racing Slicks

Racing slicks are made for riding at high speeds on flat terrain like racetracks or closed roads. To maximize grip and speed, they have a smooth profile without any treads. Riders who want to push their electric scooter to the maximum should pick the racing slicks.

Here we have another electric scooter tire meant for racing, known as PMT tires. They have superior grip and durability, making them a popular choice for electric scooter riders who demand high-performance tires. PMT tires are designed to handle high speeds and offer optimal control and stability in sharp turns and corners. They are great for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of racing! 

Pros:

• Maximum grip and speed on dry and smooth surfaces

• Suitable for high-speed riding

• Great cornering and maneuverability

Cons:

• Can be extremely dangerous in wet or slippery conditions

• Not suitable for off-road riding on uneven surfaces

• May require more frequent replacement due to the softer compound 

Snow Tires

Snow tires for electric scooters are covered in metal studs that boosts grip and traction on snowy or icy surfaces. Snow or studded tires are also exceptional for tearing through uneven terrain, making them suitable for some off-road adventures. If you&#;ll be riding on pavement and don&#;t need extra traction, you should opt for a different tire style as you&#;ll wear out the studs. 

Pros:

• Excellent grip and traction on snowy or icy surfaces

• Better stability on slippery roads

• Suitable for winter riding

Cons:

• Less effective on smooth surfaces

• Not recommended for high-speed riding

Conclusion

Choosing the right electric scooter tires depends on your needs and preferences. Think about where and how you will ride and pick tires with good grip and traction. Regular maintenance of your tires is important for their performance and longevity. Keep them properly inflated, check them regularly, and replace them when needed. With the right tire choice and taking good care of them can make your rides safer and more enjoyable, and keep your scooter working well for a long time.

We hope that this guide helps you pick the ideal tires to maximize your electric scooter&#;s performance. At VoroMotors, we have tires available here whether you wish to pick a set for a specific need or if you need a replacement tire. As always, have a safe ride!

The company is the world’s best 8.5 inch solid scooter tyres supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.